Five Ways to Enjoy Minnesota’s 10,000 Lakes

When you visit a place that’s nicknamed “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (there’s actually 11,842, to be precise), it only makes sense that you explore one or two of them while you’re here. In fact, many would argue that you haven’t had the full Minnesota experience if you haven’t spent any time at a lake. After all, they’re not hard to find!

So, when you plan your Minnesota getaway, be sure to carve out some time at a lake—whether it’s a side trip for an afternoon or the focus of your whole trip. Here are five great ways to do so:

Play at the beach: It’s the classic way to spend a summer day. Spread out a towel, pull out a good book, create a sandcastle with the kids, and splash in the lake. It’s easy to include a beach day (or several!) on a Minnesota getaway. Many cities have great beaches right in town, including Big Lake, Detroit Lakes, Fairmont, Spicer and Waconia. For a refreshing dip in our biggest lake, Superior, head to Park Point Beach in Duluth. You can even beach it at lakes Calhoun and Harriet right in the heart of Minneapolis, and several other Twin Cities-area lakes.

Paddle away: Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are a great way to explore our lakes. Many state and local parks offer canoe and kayak rentals for easy lake paddling. In Minneapolis, you can rent a canoe at Lake Calhoun and paddle through a chain of lakes via connecting canals. For more experienced paddlers, the ultimate adventure is a camping trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; several outfitters provide equipment, provisions and tips.

Paddleboards are the newest wave of fun on the lake. Stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at several state parks, Minneapolis city lakes and at Bryant Lake, Fish Lake and Baker regional parks in the metro area. In the Brainerd Lakes area, the MN Surf Company offers rentals and lessons.

Go fish: A favorite Minnesota pastime, fishing is favored by some simply as an excuse to get out on a lake and relax. If you don’t have your own boat, many resorts offer rentals. And even better, they can hook you up with a fishing guide who can show you the ins and outs of area lakes. Fishing charters can take you out on the big waters of Lake Superior, and fishing launches go out on larger lakes like Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods. What’s out there? Minnesota lakes serve up a variety of species: walleye, northerns, bass, muskie, various panfish and more.

Take a cruise: An easy and fun way to get out on a lake is to climb aboard an excursion boat. In the northern forests, a narrated boat trip in Itasca State Park explores the lake where the Mississippi River begins as a small stream, and excursion boats explore the wilderness lakes of Voyageurs National Park. A newcomer, Destiny Cruises offers cruises with meals on the popular Gull Lake near Brainerd. The Vista Fleet features views of Duluth from the city’s harbor and Lake Superior.

Spend the night: It can be hard to tear yourself away from the lake at the end of the day...so don’t! Find your own place at the lake for a few days, or even weeks. Reserve your stay at a lakeside resort, lodge or campground to really experience lakeside living. Watch the sun set amid vivid pinks and purples. Listen for the eerie call of loons across the water. After nightfall, roast marshmallows at a campfire, be amazed by zillions of stars twinkling above, see the moon rise above the lake, and if you’re lucky, catch the northern lights dancing in the sky. It’s the perfect end to a relaxing day at the lake, with the promise of another to come.

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